Hi all, I'm another new guy looking for his first vintage watch. This forum has been very helpful already!

I'm looking for a simple, clean, dress watch that will mostly be worn at work (office job). Something in stainless steel, thin case, white or silver dial, no date window. Two models I've found that fit the bill are the Seamaster 30 (ref 135.003 with the caliber 286 movement), and the Seamaster 600 (ref 135.011 with the caliber 601 movement). I do have a couple of questions, of course.

Firstly, is there even any difference between these models? Is one more desirable than the other? They seem to be damn near identical in looks, both have 17-jewel, manual-wind movements, and they were produced around the same time. I have noticed some slight variations in the dial (hour markers etc) and case (lugs and caseback), but I've found it very difficult to know if the image I'm looking at is truly of an original. If anyone can link to some high-res images of the genuine article it would help me a lot with learning how to spot a redial and so on.

Secondly, where should I be searching to buy? I'm aware that ebay can be a bit of a minefield, but it also seems like the best place to find a bargain. Chrono24 looks to be quite expensive in general. I will keep an eye on the sales section of this forum of course, but if anyone has any other tips on where to shop for vintage watches I'd appreciate it.

 

There is a great affection amongst collectors for the 30.10 series of handwind movements, so I would think that a cal 286 would be slightly more collectible than a 601.

But it depends on condition: case, movement and original dial. Here is one of my daily beater Seamaster 30s with original dial as a comparison.

 

I think the 30's are less common in good condition. They are both nice, simple designs with good movements. I suggest keeping your eyes open for both and get whichever one comes along first in decent condition at a good price.

 

I have a really nice one that I am considering parting with. Seamaster 30 with a quite uncommon linen dial.
Cal 269 ref 125.003 - 62.
Fully serviced by WatchGuy UK a few months ago: http://watchguy.co.uk/cgi-bin/library?action=show_photos&wat_id=773
It still have 8 months guarantee left from the service.
PM me if intersted.

 

Here is mine, 135.007-64, cal 286 movement View attachment 84114 cal 286 on a 1168 bracelet

 

My two SM30 135.003-62 SC

 

Desmond, it must be the lighting, but it doesn't half look like the paint has been sucked up the nine and six markers on that dial....

 

Hmm Never noticed. I think it's the light.

 

Thanks for all the photos, very helpful. I'm wondering about the hour markers. Most of the examples above have markers that end in an arrow point. I've seen others that appear to be more squared off (an example here: http://www.njuskalo.hr/image-bigger/muski-satovi/omega-seamaster-30-slika-20319206.jpg ). I've also seen some that have thicker 3, 6 and 9 markers than the rest. Did Omega use different hour markers on the same reference, or are the variations I've seen a result of redials?

Northernman; a lovely looking watch, but I have my heart set on a plain silver/white dial with central seconds.

I'll keep searching for a clean and original 30 or 600. And if anyone has any suggestions on where to buy, other than eBay/Chrono24/forums, I'd love to hear them!

 

A Seamaster 30 on eBay here: http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Authenti...664484268?pt=Wristwatches&hash=item3cec6b2bacPurchases made through these links may earn this site a commission from the eBay Partner Network
I'm unsure about the hour markers on this, as per my post above.

And a 600 here: http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/OMEGA-SE...es_Watches_MensWatches_GL&hash=item418ac1de3fPurchases made through these links may earn this site a commission from the eBay Partner Network
The movement says cal. 600, I thought it was supposed to be 601? Is there any difference?

I'm so bloody confused!

 

Now thats what i call a great first post all you noobs

Hello, asked for help after obvious some of their own research has been done. Avatar also........



Pm sent pdub

 

Hey Northernman - hopefully you wont mind educating a newb. Theres a small Omega on your crystal. Is this normal? It's not something I have ever seen before...
Thanks!

 

you'll see it in my photos above as well. omega has been doing this since the late 50s early 60s

 

Thanks speedbird!